Reviews by Christina Galvez

by L. Frank Baum

I don't know how popular the movie The Wizard of Oz is today (2012), but it is definitely a classic and I see it on TV a lot, usually around Halloween. While the movie is great, it is only a shadow of what the book is.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was originally published in 1900. For that reason, I can understand how many might think it will not be interesting, what with all the Percy Jackson type stories out there now. In fact, I am ashamed to admit that I felt the same way when I decided to read it to my daughter.

What a pleasant surprise I had when I began to read the book. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz exceeded my expectations. This book is so incredibly good that I decided I want to read all the books in the series. It is exciting, imaginative and incredibly intelligent.

In addition, it is a wonderful book to read with children. It does not talk down to the reader, which I think is great. I had to explain things to my daughter and tell her what certain words meant, but that is a good thing, not bad. Besides the fact that it helps children remember a book, it aids in communication.

The only warning I have is that along with the not talking down to children, this book does not pull punches. So there are a couple of violent and gory scenes. Not Freddy Kruger gory...

Bottom line, this is one of the books that I consider a must read in your lifetime book.